Interim chief named for NC Ports

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Jeff Miles has been appointed Acting Executive Director of the North Carolina State Ports Authority effective immediately.

Miles, who joined the Ports in 2005 as Chief Operating Officer and was promoted to Deputy Executive Director in 2012, replaces Tom Bradshaw, who stepped down earlier this week after a year on the job.

In the coming weeks, a nationwide search will begin for a permanent executive director.

The Ports Authority says Miles brings to the job more than 20 years of experience as a senior-level manager in the port and maritime transportation industry. He spent a decade as the general manager of container operations at the South Carolina State Ports Authority. In addition to his time with South Carolina Ports, he served as president of a private marine terminal company specializing in bulk and breakbulk operations.

He also managed intermodal logistics and terminal operations for major container shipping companies, including Maersk and US Lines, and worked as a principal consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Booz Allen Hamilton.

“We are fortunate to have someone with the industry experience that Jeff brings to the job. His extensive experience in the maritime transportation industry uniquely qualifies him to lead this dynamic organization,” NC Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Tata said in a statement.

As acting executive director, Miles will lead an organization of nearly 250 employees that contributes $500 million annually in state and local tax revenue and supports more than 65,000 direct and indirect jobs statewide.

“This is an exciting time for North Carolina’s ports,” Miles said. “With cargo volumes increasing and the pursuit of several potential new lines of business at both ports, this year promises to be one of our strongest yet. I am privileged to lead the ports and look forward to partnering with North Carolina’s businesses to strengthen the economies of our host communities and the state.”

As COO and Deputy Executive Director, Miles he was responsible for operations at the Ports of Morehead City and Wilmington, and inland terminals in Charlotte and the Piedmont Triad at Greensboro. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston, and a master of business administration from Duke University. He and his wife Nancy have three children.